Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne virus spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, threatens about 2.5 billion people -- more than 40 percent of the world's population -- a UN report said. The World Health Organization said in its latest report the disease -- which in its severest form is a leading cause of serious illness and death among children in some Asian and Latin American countries -- is endemic in more than 100 countries. Cases of dengue fever have risen up to 1000 per cent in some parts of Brazil and have also risen substantially in Asia and Africa The report said it estimates there may be 50 million to 100 million dengue fever cases worldwide every year. The infection, which causes flu-like illness and occasionally develops into a potentially lethal complication called haemorrhagic dengue, is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment, but early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates below 1 percent. The only way to prevent the transmission of the dengue fever virus is to control mosquitoes that carry the disease. "Not only is the number of cases increasing as the disease spreads to new areas, but explosive outbreaks are occurring," the report said, adding the threat of a possible outbreak of dengue fever exists in Europe. The only way to protect oneself and from mosquito bites are by using insect repellents containing DEET and clothing spray containing EX4 during the daytime as well as at night. All available from The Travel Clinic Ltd Phone 01223 367362 for appointments

Typhoid fever is spread through contaminated food and water.  It can cause illness ranging from mild fever, diarrhoea and aching to severe disease with multi organ failure, and fatality can be as high as 20% in untreated cases.

Typhoid fever is endemic in South Asia, parts of South East Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Africa.  Outbreaks have been reported in Eastern Europe.

 

There is currently a shortage of injectable Typhoid Vaccine.  However, Vivotif, an oral vaccine which can protect against Typhoid fever is available.  It consists of three tablets taken on alternate days.  It must be kept in the fridge between doses.  It is a live vaccine, but it can be taken at the same time as other live vaccines such as Yellow Fever if required.  It must not be taken within three days of antibiotics.  For those travelers who spend a lot of time in endemic areas, it will protect for up to three years, otherwise an annual booster is recommended.

Strict attention to personal hygiene and safety of food and water is still essential to protect against this and other food and water borne illnesses.

 

Please get in contact with The Travel Clinic Ltd, on 01223 367361, if you would like any other information or to book an appt with a Travel Nurse.

Shortages of doxcycycline in the Philippines after a huge rise in demand in it for the prevention and treatment of leptospirosis (Weils disease)

 

The leptospirosis outbreak came days after Tropical Storm Sendong devastated Northern Mindanao and parts of the Visayas last month, killing over 1,200 people – The outbreak of a flood-borne disease is killing people who had survived the disaster that struck the two cities at the height of Tropical Storm “Sendong,” according to local authorities.

At least 15 people died of leptospirosis and 400 others have been admitted to hospital ill and have been taken to hospitals during the last week Leptospirosis is a fatal animal-borne disease that can result in high fever, internal bleeding and organ failure.

The upsurge of the flood-borne disease is thought to be the failure of survivors to take antibiotics (doxycycline) distributed to them immediately after the Dec. 17 deluge.

As local hospitals continued to receive leptospirosis patients among “Sendong” survivors, many evacuees failed to heed the advice of health officials to take the antibiotic before they wade in the floods.

One way of avoiding leptospirosis is to wear protective gear like wellington boots and rubber gloves when working in muddy or flooded areas. Obviously this is not always possible for survivors of the flood

As people become aware of the importance of doxycycline in the rising cases of the disease, the supply of the antibiotic is becoming scarce.

Several pharmacies in the tow flood-ravaged cities admitted running out of doxycycline

 

One of the benefits of doxycycline is that it is used commonly as an antimalaria prevention, and also can help against the onset of traveller’s diarrhoea

 

Phone for an appointment and advice on 01223 367362

 

 

 

Mary Kedward, Managing Director and Lesley Gibson attended the celebration of the success of  Coaching for High Growth programme, which was delivered by the highly experienced team at St John’s Innovation Centre on behalf of the East of England Development Agency at St Johns College last Thursday evening.

The Travel Clinic Ltd was assessed for the potential for growth and were coached by Chris Trigg MBE, involving one to one sessions and group sessions for the team.

Since we started the coaching we have increased our staffing levels by 40 % and increased turnover by 30 percent.

The coaches are experienced business coaches who have hands-on experience of growing businesses.  They understand the challenges and are able to help one unlock the issues and aid the leadership to sustainable increases in turnover and profit.

St Johns Innovation Centre has just received funding to carry on with its innovative work supporting SMEs 

Recent reports from Dubai’s International City have noted an increase in cases of malaria.

Malaria, a protozoan parasite is spread by the female, night biting Anopheles  mosquito. Malaria is endemic in more than 100 countries worldwide and causes hundreds of thousands of deaths a year.

In 2007 the United Arab Emirates was declared malaria free by the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, there have been cases of imported malaria where people have become infected abroad and enter the country. The Dubai Health Authority confirms that all reported cases in 2011 have been imported malaria from expatriates returning to the country.

Recently some local doctors have been concerned by the increase in cases and that these may be caused by local transmission within Dubai due to local residential areas being near dirty water sources, the perfect breeding ground for Anopheles mosquitoes which carry malaria.

The Dubai malaria free status and recommendations from WHO, the Dubai Health Authority and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NATHNAC) has not changed, but travellers should be aware and take extra bite avoidance measures. These include DEET insect repellent, wearing long sleeved clothing, trousers and socks, clothing insecticide spray and impregnated mosquito nets. Feverish illness whilst in Dubai or up to several months upon return should promptly be investigated by a doctor.  

Travellers who have not been vaccinated are at risk of getting the disease and spreading it to their friends and family members who may not be up to date with vaccinations. Because of this risk, all travelers should be having their vaccinations, regardless of where they are going. Measles is among the most contagious diseases, and even domestic travelers may be exposed on airplanes or in airports. Check with your GP to see if you are protected, people who cannot show that they were vaccinated as children and who have never had measles should probably be vaccinated This month already there are reports of large outbreaks from Ukraine and Uganda where vaccine uptake is low and according to a WHO report, there have been over 26,000 measles reported cases in 36 European countries so far this year. There have been nine deaths, including six in France, and 7,288 hospitalisations. In England and Wales there have been almost 1,000 confirmed cases - nearly triple the 374 total for 2010. Across the Europe, 90 per cent of cases have been in those definitely or probably not vaccinated. In the UK it is recommended that 2 MMR should be given with a month apart to those who are not protected. This we can provide from The Travel Clinic Ltd, Cambridge and Ipswich

New research has shown pneumonia risks for welders and others exposed to metal fumes

The bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae, otherwise known as the pneumococcus, is commonly found in the nose and throat in healthy people. Up to 70% of normal people are said to carry it in the nose or throat without it causing any harm. It has over 90 different types some of which are can change from being a from a harmful bacteria to more harmful in the lower respiratory tract,  It causes middle ear and sinus infections and is the most common cause of lobar pneumonia

The vaccine to prevent this disease has been used for the elderly from about 2000 and has been given to children since 2006

The most serious potential consequences of pneumococcal infection are from pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis

 Following extensive UK and international research the United Kingdom Department of Health Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is widening the scope of its indications for vaccination to include welders

the United Kingdom Department of Health Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is widening the scope of its indications for vaccination to include welders

Here at The Travel Clinic Ltd we are happy to support the endeavours in Occupational Health to provide the pneumococcal vaccine to the concerned public

 

 

In April this year we posted a blog warning about cholera disease in popular holiday destinations including the Dominican Republic.  Cholera causes severe watery diarrhoea.

 

The latest update from the Dominican authorities unfortunately reports that the worst is not yet over.  By August this year, there had been nearly 16,000 suspected cases with 109 deaths.  New cases are still being reported at much higher levels than normal.

 

Travelers need to pay strict attention to hand and personal hygiene, and the safety of their food and drinks.  High risk food such as shellfish, ice cubes/tap water, and salad items should all be avoided.  Soft drinks should all be taken from a bottle rather than through a mixer tap in order to avoid drinking tap water.

 

An oral cholera vaccine is available for anyone concerned that they are at risk of the disease.  Please contact The Travel Clinic Ltd, on 01223 367362 to discuss or book an appointment at our Cambridge or Ipswich clinics.

It is thought that there is a great degree of underreporting of this disease; the World Health Organization estimates that there are approximately 200,000 cases of yellow fever per year, with 30,000 deaths.

 

Peru and Ghana are currently reporting outbreaks

 

The yellow fever vaccine is very effective and safe, although there have been a few reports of rare adverse events associated with the vaccine. Yellow fever vaccine is an entry requirement for some countries, but it is advised that travellers to yellow fever endemic areas should be vaccinated even if there is no specific requirement.

 

Since the disease is so devastating many countries, which are now free of yellow fever, require evidence that those entering the country have been immunised.  You may need to check whether this vaccine is mandatory for the country you are travelling.  It is worth considering that not all outbreaks of yellow fever are reported, particularly in areas with poor communication

 

Cruises 

Passengers may be asked by the cruise company to carry a valid certificate of vaccination against yellow fever - this is an immigration requirement for some countries especially in the Caribbean, South and Central America and sub-Saharan Africa. Unvaccinated passengers may not be allowed ashore. In these areas yellow fever disease itself may be a risk for those venturing into rural and jungle areas but is unlikely to be contracted by those staying on board or visiting only urban areas. 

 

Yellow fever vaccine has to be given in a Yellow Fever Centre registered with the National Travel Health Network and Centre who administer the Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Here at The Travel Clinic Ltd we are registered and will give you an official yellow fever certificate which will last for ten years

 

 

As we reported last week there is an outbreak of hepatitis A in Malaysia. There were 27 people affected. One week later there are 800 cases!

 

Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease that can cause mild to severe illness. It is spread by faecal-oral transmission when a person ingests food or drink contaminated by an infected person's faeces. The disease is closely associated with poor sanitation and a lack of personal hygiene. Dirty hands on your food!

 

It is incredibly infectious as you can tell by these figures and can be prevented by a Hepatitis A vaccine  - if boosted within one year, protection may last for life